Kings get Kendle for Lisch replacement

THE Sydney Kings have confirmed the signing of import guard Jeremy Kendle as a replacement for injured skipper Kevin Lisch.

Kendle, a versatile combo-guard, joins the Kings' roster to cover for Lisch - who will be sidelined for eight-weeks with a torn calf.

The 29-year-old played with the Brisbane Bullets for the final seven games of the 2016/2017 NBL season and made a positive contribution, averaging 11 points, three rebounds and two assists per contest while shooting 47% from the field and 85% from the free throw line.

Kendle was also a member of the NBL All Australian Team that competed in a three game series against the Chinese national team in July and was particularly impressive in the final game, sparking the NBL team to a dominant 89-75 victory with a game-high 20 points.

The 188cm guard has been a standout at SEABL level for several years. He was named Most Valuable Player of the competition in 2016 and led the Bendigo Braves to the SEABL title that same year, garnering MVP honours in the Grand Final.

He has played professionally in Morocco and Switzerland and won the NCAA Division 2 National Championship in 2011 with Bellarmine University.

Kendle's immediate availability and familiarity with the NBL will assist the Kings as they face the eight weeks that Lisch is expected to be sidelined.

"We are very fortunate that Jeremy was available and ready to go,” Kings Managing Director Jeff Van Groningen said.

"Through his play for Brisbane last season and with the All-Australian Team in China in the offseason, he's proven that he's an NBL-calibre talent,” Van Groningen added.

Kendle is expected to be in uniform for the Kings' Round Three road double this week. Sydney will play the New Zealand Breakers in Auckland on Thursday and the 36ers in Adelaide on Saturday.